Draft Drama: James Pearce Jr.’s NFL Future Hangs in the Balance After Shifting Projections
James Pearce Jr., the standout edge rusher for the Tennessee Volunteers, has made his mark on the 2024 college football season, but his NFL draft prospects have shifted. Pearce, widely regarded as one of the top draft prospects earlier in the season, is now expected to go in the first round, though likely later than many initially predicted.
Heading into the 2024 season, Pearce was often mentioned in discussions as a potential first overall pick. Many analysts believed he could be the best player in college football. However, despite a solid season, he didn’t replicate the eye-popping statistics that had some projecting him as the top overall pick. In 2024, Pearce posted 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles. While these numbers are impressive, they fall short of his 2023 performance, where he tallied 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 28 tackles.
Despite maintaining a high level of play, Pearce’s stock has slightly declined. His performance, while still strong, didn’t elevate him to the elite level some anticipated. According to NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, Pearce Jr. is now projected to be the 32nd overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, landing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Jeremiah emphasized Pearce’s “elite speed and production” as key factors in his evaluation, noting that while his draft position might vary, there’s little doubt about his physical abilities.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper also weighed in, predicting Pearce would be selected 28th overall by the Detroit Lions. This consensus marks a shift toward Pearce being viewed as a late-first-round pick, rather than a top-five selection, as many had hoped earlier in the season.
Pearce’s draft prospects are not set in stone. The NFL Combine, scheduled for later this offseason, will give him another platform to showcase his abilities. This event could provide him with an opportunity to bolster his stock. Still, it appears that Pearce’s chances of being selected within the top five overall picks are slim, and his draft position will likely hinge on his performance in pre-draft evaluations.
Overall, while Pearce Jr.’s draft stock has taken a slight hit compared to earlier in the year, he remains a coveted prospect. His raw talent, speed, and production continue to make him a valuable commodity for teams looking to bolster their defensive lines, even if his selection is more likely to fall at the back end of the first round.
